March 2022 OSHA Quicktakes
Safety Advisory Meetings
The National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health will meet on Feb. 22, followed by the NACOSH Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Work Group on Feb. 25.
The National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH) is a statutory committee established under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to advise the Secretaries of Labor and Health and Human Services on occupational safety and health programs and policies. NACOSH is comprised of 12 members: four public representatives, two management representatives, two labor representatives, two occupational health professionals and two occupational safety professionals. The Secretary of Health and Human Services designates two of the public representatives and both of the health professionals. All members are appointed by the Secretary of Labor and serve two-year terms.
Workplace Safety Conference
The Pacific Coast Safety Fest will be held March 14-17 to provide occupational safety training and resources. Register for the live virtual event at pacificsafetyfest.com.
Pacific Coast Safety Fest is a safety and health training event that offers training classes related to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. The purpose of this training is to raise awareness concerning pertinent safety and health hazards and best work practices in the area where the training is being offered. The expected outcome of all OSHA training is related to the mission of OSHA that all workers return home safe each day.
Work Zone Safety Awareness
April 11-15 is National Work Zone Awareness Week and the National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-by Incidents. The National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) has been successful in spreading awareness for work zone safety across the country because of participation from organizations and individuals just like you. Hundreds of companies and individuals reach out to ATSSA on social media each year using #NWZAW.
Everyone plays a role in work zone safety. NWZAW highlights the deadly dangers of inattention at highway work areas.
Injury Reporting
Specific employers must submit required 2021 injury and illness data by March 2.
Employers must post their 2021 Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (Form 300A) from February 1 through April 30.
COVID-19 Standard
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is withdrawing the vaccination and testing emergency temporary standard issued on Nov. 5, 2021, to protect unvaccinated employees of large employers with 100 or more employees from workplace exposure to coronavirus. The withdrawal is effective January 26, 2022.
Although OSHA is withdrawing the vaccination and testing ETS as an enforceable emergency temporary standard, the agency is not withdrawing the ETS as a proposed rule. The agency is prioritizing its resources to focus on finalizing a permanent COVID-19 Healthcare Standard.
OSHA strongly encourages vaccination of workers against the continuing dangers posed by COVID-19 in the workplace.
Telecommunications Safety
WASHINGTON – The Department of Labor, Department of Education, Federal Communications Commission and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration today announced the members of a cross-agency working group that will collaborate to identify the current and future needs of the telecommunications industry workforce, including the safety of that workforce.
In accordance with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel appointed five members, Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh appointed four members, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona appointed two members, and Evelyn Remaley, performing the non-exclusive functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, appointed one member to the new interagency working group.
“A big part of ensuring modern communications reaches everyone, everywhere is also making sure that we’re properly investing in the workforce to support that mission,” said FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “I look forward to this working group’s recommendations to ensure that all parts of the workforce – from the next generation of innovators reimagining what it means to stay connected in today’s digital age to the tower climbers maintaining the necessary physical infrastructure – are accounted for, properly invested in and safe. Broadband for all should serve all of us.”
“A big part of ensuring modern communications reaches everyone, everywhere is also making sure that we’re properly investing in the workforce to support that mission,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “I look forward to this working group’s recommendations to ensure that all parts of the workforce—from the next generation of innovators reimagining what it means to stay connected in today’s digital age to the tower climbers maintaining the necessary physical infrastructure—are accounted for, properly invested in, and safe. Broadband for all should serve all of us.”
“As our nation builds out and expands access to critical communication tools for people across the country, it is imperative that we not lose sight of the workers carrying out this noble mission,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “We hope that the Task Force strongly considers how improved job quality and equity can enhance recruitment in workforce development programs in this industry. The members we have appointed for this group includes people who will be laser focused on ensuring good jobs that are safe for those who working to bring the vision of a more connected society into reality.”
“The department is strongly committed to ensuring that all Americans equally can access the benefits of broadband and digital technology for learning, career and technical preparation, and professional advancement,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “Ensuring that our schools and institutions of higher education are core partners in developing the telecommunications workforce of tomorrow will be critical to reaching 100 percent nationwide broadband coverage.”
“Bringing broadband to every corner of the United States means we need telecom workers with the skills to install networks in challenging areas,” said Evelyn Remaley, who is performing the non-exclusive functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information. “Today’s announcement and our collaboration across the Biden administration are helping to ensure we have the workforce we need to safely bring connectivity to all.”
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act directed the FCC Chair to work in partnership with the Secretary of Labor to establish an interagency working group that will ultimately prepare a report to Congress on its recommendations to address the needs of the telecommunications industry, including the safety of its workforce. This report must be delivered to Congress by Jan. 14, 2023.
Grain Safety Week
Join grain safety experts as they share solutions to storage and handling during this year’s Stand Up 4 Grain Safety virtual event April 4-8. Visit the campaign webpage for updates.
Every year hundreds of employees are injured or die from preventable hazards while working in grain storage and handling. Safety doesn’t need to be big to be effective.
This year commit to safety by making small changes in the workplace or how tasks are performed to make a positive safety impact.
Click the day to see the activities and resources available.
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